How and why did you decide to pursue illustration as your career?

Since I can remember I've always wanted to create, which influenced my career path tremendously. I have a bachelor's degree in graphic design and worked in this field for a few years, but I always wanted to draw for a living. It just felt natural to me, and was one of the things I felt really ambitious about. I am very grateful I was able to join the Bright Agency in the midst of the pandemic, which allowed me to build a career in children's illustration.

Where do you currently live and where did you grow up?

I live in Essen, a bigger city in western Germany. I was born in Kazahkstan and lived in St. Petersburg as a child before coming to Germany. During my studies I lived in Dessau and Berlin for a while.

Have you always loved to draw?

Yes, absolutely! Drawing has always been a big part of me for as long as I can remember.

Which books from your own childhood really stand out?

Right before we moved to Germany my neighbour gifted me two books with stories and pictures about witches, wizards, fairies and everything magical. Albeit some of the pictures being a bit too creepy for a 5 year old, I loved them dearly - and still do! I think they had a big influence on me when I was a child. In 2023 I illustrated a book called "The book of Magic, Mysteries and the Unexplained" for DK and it made me nostalgic, I realized how much these books influenced my style and interests.

Also I loved artbooks from Japanese Mangaka like Akira Toriyama and CLAMP.

Who or what has been your greatest mentor?

That would be my art professor! When I was around 9 years old I annoyed my parents until they let me attend art classes in the evening. I was the only child there and the art professor was one of those old school Ukrainian artists, and very sceptical about my abilities. Thankfully my father was able to convince him to give me a chance, and I went there consistently 3 times a week for 4 years. I learned so much, he was a great mentor. Unfortunately he passed a away a few years ago. I found one of his works on eBay and purchased it as a remembrance.

I think second place would be my portfolio review with Carlos Grangel, a fantastic character artist to whom I look up to. I still chuckle about the fact he said my work is a bit too dark sometimes, considering he worked for Tim Burton so many times.

Tell us about the creation of your favourite character from one of your books.

I have a few - I love my curious, adventurous and courageous girls. Ember from the Ember Spark series, Rachel from The stolen dreams trilogy, Nina and the other girls from the Rebel Girl Society series. I love every character of every book I illustrated honestly, but personally I strongly resonate with those girls, maybe because those are qualities I really like in other people? 

Which 4 words would you use to describe your illustration portfolio?

Magical, mysterious, colourful, dragons

Have you taken part in any speaker events?

I visited schools sometimes, but nothing too serious yet - but I'd love to in the future!

What advice would you offer someone just starting out as a children’s illustrator?

 Something I tell my students: Believe in yourself, it's a tough industry so don't give up too easily. A successful career won't come over night, be patient! Work hard and be curious, but don't forget to rest and be kind to yourself, otherwise you will get burned out very quickly. Try to attend events and fairs to connect with other illustrators and potential clients, this one's so important!

Are you an author/illustrator?

Not yet, but I am working on personal stuff at this moment - hopefully anything will come out of it, creating my own book and catching a publisher's interest is one of my dream goals. So fingers crossed!

Animals feature heavily in children’s books – do you have a pet?

I do! I have a small Romanian stray with a very unique fur pattern which I love dearly - she's a very cuddly and friendly dog with a great personality. Can't believe I got her over 7 years ago, time flies so fast!

Photo by Ronja Beez